Oiseaux. Birds. Aves.

Whichever language we speak, the fates of birds are intricately tied to the peoples of North America.
Where bird populations are dropping, the lands and waters that sustain us are stressed.

100 YEARS AGO, WE CAME TOGETHER FOR BIRDS

A midst the global chaos of World War I,
U.S. President Woodrow Wilson and
Great Britain’s King George V pledged an
international commitment to protect the
migratory birds of North America and put an
end to market hunting. Crafted in 1916, the
Convention for the Protection of Migratory
Birds promised collaborative conservation
between the United States and Canada.
Twenty years later, with his country in
the aftermath of revolution, Mexican pres-
ident Lázaro Cárdenas approved a treaty
with the U.S. that protected migratory birds.
Despite political unrest and competing eco-
nomic priorities, our three nations joined
together for birds to create some of the first
international environmental agreements in
North America.
WE RESPONDED WHEN WATERFOWL NEEDED US
I n the late 20th century, with duck pop-
ulations in decline, our three nations
united again to build the North American
Waterfowl Management Plan.
With planning and wetlands con-
servation, ducks became more plentiful.
Today, robust waterfowl populations are
found from the northern prairies to Mex-
ico’s mangrove swamps. Conservaation
works, and through collaboration wee can
produce strong results.
Now we must effectively apply thiis tri-
national model to all birds, because more
than one-third of all North American bird
species will be at risk of extinction unnless
we take conservation action.

BIRDS CONNECT THE CONTINENT
More than 350 bird species are truly trinational, living in
Canada, the U.S., and Mexico over the course of the year. S ome say there are more important
priorities than birds. But bird conserva-
tion is a powerful force for positive change.
Birds promote leadership. History
demonstrates that birds can transcend poli-
tics and conflict. Birds are an important eco-
nomic resource to the hunting, birding, and
tourism industries. And birds are a cultural
resource—as national symbols, religious
icons, and namesakes of sports teams, birds
BIRDS BRING OUT THE BEST IN PEOPLE
represent who we are. As more people live
in cities, birds are becoming
b i one off human
ity’s main connections to nature.
h -
and water, flood and erosion control,
andd coastal
t l resilience.
ili
Birds connect our continent.
Birds inspire bigger wins for the Our birds are truly a shared resource as
environment. Bird habitats are sinks for they migrate across countries and oceans
greenhouse gases, so bird conservation can throughout the hemisphere.
help our countries meet Paris Agreement With so many bird species showing
commitments to reduce climate change. alarming declines, it is more important
Healthy environments for birds also pro- than ever that we work together to con-
vide benefits to people, such as clean air serve our shared birds.

Photos (left, top to bottom): President Woodrow

RENEWING OUR
Wilson, King George V, and President Lázaro Cárdenas
made migr g atoryy bird treaties for the United States, CONTINENTAL COMMITMENT TO BIRDS
O
Canada, and Mexico in the early 20th century that
promised collaborative conservation for birds. The
nce again our countries face uncer- birds, there are roles for everyone to play.
tain times—for our economies, our Governments can capitalize on the findings The North American Bird
1916 treaty provided a larger role for the federal
g ernment in managin
gov g g America’s first national envi
en viro
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nmen entt, and our clilima mate
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wildlife refuge on Florida’s Pelican Island and put an provides the framework to
end to the market huntingg that was decimatingg bird birds need our help. p This repo p rt should conservation policies. Private industryy can
populations such as Great Egret. inspire us to move forward with the best invest in sustainability for natural resourc- move forward. Created by the
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people, as a public banding and release event always unprecedented continent-wide analysis, One hundred years ago, it was a small diplomacy that produced NAFTA,
draws a crowd. People, in turn, can do a lot to help Major habitats in all three countries are the NABCI agreement recognized
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populations and habitats of North
America’s birds—with an integrated

Ensemble, together, juntos, vision for “all birds and all habitats.”

we can create a brighter future—for birds, for people, for north america.
 State of North America’s Birds Birds in ocean and tropical forest habitats are of highest conservation concern.
But species need our help in every habitat.

ONE-THIRD OF ALL NORTH AMERICAN BIRD SPECIES CONSERVATION CONCERN ACROSS HABITATS

Resplendent Quetzal by Miguel Angel Sicilia

NEED URGENT CONSERVATION ACTION CONCERN Low Moderate High

Watch List threshold

CONCERN Low Moderate High
Oceans
Watch List threshold (54 species) 57%

Wood Duck by Ryan Schain/Macaulay Library

All Birds
(1,154 species) 14% 49% 37% Tropical and
Subtropical Forests 56% IN CRISIS
432 species on the Watch List are (478 species) More than half of species from oceans and
most at risk of extinction without
significant action. tropical forests are on the Watch List because
Coasts
(164 species)
37% of small and declining populations, small
ranges, and severe threats to their habitats.

MIXED STATUS Aridlands

MAJOR HABITATS OF NORTH AMERICA (64 species )
28%

Most species in these habitats

are of moderate or low con- STEEP DECLINES
Grasslands Many species in coastal, grass-
cern, yet roughly 20% are on (45 species)
27%
the Watch List. Waterfowl have land, and aridland habitats are
benefited from careful harvest Temperate declining steeply. In particular,
management and wetland Forests 22% long-distance migratory shore-
conservation, but positive wa- (144 species) birds and species that migrate
terfowl trends may not last if from the Great Plains to Mex-
Tundra ico’s Chihuahuan grasslands
wetlands loss continues. 20%
(78 species)
have lost, on average, almost
70% of their continental pop-
Wetlands ulations since 1970.
19%
Pacific Ocean

(171 species)
FARING WELL

Chestnut-collared Longspur by Gerrit Vyn

Tundra The generalist group—birds that are Boreal Forest
n
Ocea

19%
Boreal Forest adaptable and can live in multiple habi- (73 species)
n t ic

Coasts tats—are of lowest conservation concern.

Atla

Temperate Forests Generalists

1%
Grasslands (65 species)
Gulf of Mexico
Aridlands
Tropical Highland Forests
Northern Mockingbird by Timothy Freiday/Macaulay Library

Tropical Lowland Forests

OUR APPROACH
T
This report assesses the conservation status of all native North American bird species across his report is based on the first-ever
all major habitats, including wetlands embedded within terrestrial habitats. Species were conservation vulnerability assessment
assigned to one breeding habitat, except for oceans and coasts (where species were also for all 1,154 native bird species that occur
included if they occurred anytime during the year) and wetlands (where species were includ- in Canada, the continental United States,
ed in both wetlands and their terrestrial breeding habitat). Species that commonly occur in and Mexico. The assessment was compiled
many different habitat types were classified as generalists. by a team of experts from all three coun-
tries. The overall conservation status for
2 The State of North America’s Birds 2016
each species takes into account its pop-
ulation trend, population size, extent of
breeding and nonbreeding ranges, and se-
verity of threats to populations. The Watch
List identifies species of highest conserva-
tion concern based on high vulnerability
scores across multiple factors. Year-round
abundance maps from eBird data, in which
intensity of color reflects seasonal abun-
dance, are presented for selected species.
Animated eBird maps, as well as details on
the assessment methodology and the com-
plete Species Assessment Database, are
available at stateofthebirds.org.
 Seabirds and shorebirds connect
Oceans the coon
ntin
nent
ent'ss oocceeaans and coasts.
Coasts
Marine ecosystems in crisis Safe harbors needed for intercontinental migrants

T he ocean waters surrounding North America contain rich marinee ecosystems that
support more than 150 seabird species. Unfortunately, recent reseaarch shows global
seabird populations have declined nearly 70% since the 1950s, a warninng that our oceans
Western Sandpipers (yellow lines) and Semipalmated Sandpipers
(orange lines) rely on migratory stopover sites designated for protection
by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (red dots) during
C oastline habitats where land meets sea are important to many species of birds. Some
species depend on coastal habitats for breeding. Other species, especially shorebirds,
migrate vast distances from Arctic and boreal breeding grounds to South America, stop-
their intercontinental journeys from Alaska to South America. Semipalmated
are highly stressed. Stronger international cooperation is needed to restoore marine ecosys- Western Sandppiper tracking data provided by Kansas State University. Semipalmated Sandpiper tracking data Sandpipers ping at a chain of key coastal migratory stopover habitats along the way to rest and refuel.
provided by Maanomet, USFWS, and partners.
tems—not just for birds, but also for the fishing industry and as a food ressource for people. Some of the most important sites support hundreds of thousands of migrant shorebirds.
Loss or degradation of any one of these sites can lead to dramatic declines in populations.

Status: Seabirds globally threatened

THE OUTLOOK for oceanic birds—includ-
Concern: Low Moderate
derate
ing seabirds and a group of landbirds
found only on islands off the Mexican
coast—is the bleakest of any North Amer- Island landbirds 100%
0%
ican bird group. Small and declining sea-
bird populations are severely threatened Seabirds 49%
% es are of highest concern due to pressures
by invasive predators on nesting islands All island landbirds and
and accidental bycatch by commercial fish- half of North American
ing vessels, as well as overfishing of forage seabirds are on the
Watch List.
fish stocks, pollution, and climate change.
Building on Success: Eradicating island invasives
prevents extinctions
ISLANDS host the nesting colonies for mosst North American
seabirds, as well as many of the last populaations of endemic
landbird species. On most islands, invasive predators such as
rats and cats depredate nests and pose a seveere threat to bird
populations. Recent international efforts have eradicated
Status: Threats to coastlines take a toll on birds
High
ABOUT 40%  of the more than 100 spe-
cies that depend on coastal habitats are
on the Watch List. Species that breed in
mangroves, saltmarshes, and sandy beach-
from sea-level rise, coastal development,
disturbance from human recreational activ-
ities, and the threat of oil spills.
Many coastal species have small pop-
Migratory shorebird populations have declined
ulation sizes and a restricted distribution, by almost 70% since 1973.
making them especially vulnerable to hab-
itat loss and other threats. coastal stopover sites, as well as climate
The migratory shorebirds that travel change impacts on northern breeding
the farthest are showing the greatest de- grounds, may all be affecting their popu-
clines. Habitat loss and degradation at key lations.
Building on Success: Sister cities united by shorebirds
THE LINKING COMMUNITIESS initiative

Photo courtesy of Linking communities

predators on 200 of the most important seaabird islands in
has established a shorebird sister-city re-
Atlantic Puffins by Bill Scholtz

Canadian, American, and Mexican waters. In many cases,

lationship among communities near Im-
these efforts have prevented the extinction of vulnerable
One Laysan Albatross (blue lines) embarked on an incredible voyage, portant Bird Areas in Saskatchewan, Utah,
oss

bird populations. Continued comprehensivve restoration of

atr

more than 7,000 kilometers roundtrip, to travel between a nest site and Nayarit. The initiative coordinates
Alb

priority islands for breeding birds is needed as there are still

san

off the coast of Mexico and fishing areas in U.S. and Canadian waters. shorebird festivals, cultural exchanges for
Lay

many islands overrun by invasive species. Laysan

Laysan Albatross
Albatross
Albat ross tra
tracking
trackin
ckingg data
data provi
pprovided
rovided
ded by Conse
Conservac
rvación
rvac
ción de Islas
Islas.
schoolteachers, and conservation projects
in each community. Similar linkages could
be developed elsewhere to coordinate con-
Take Action: Restore marine ecosystems servation efforts among important sites Schoolchildren celebrate migratory shorebirds at
through global cooperation that share populations of migratory birds. a Linking Communities event in Nayarit, Mexico.

THE MANY AND VARIED THREATS TO OUR OCEANS ARE A TANGLED MESS that
no one country can solve on its own. Governments, scientists, and industry must work Take Action: Conserve coastlines for birds and people
together proactively toward solutions.
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS HAVE A KEY ROLE TO PLAY in coastal bird conservation:
• Canada, the U.S., and Mexico can collaborate to reduce pressures on our richest, most
biodiverse ocean ecosystems. Marine protected areas can be expanded. Multinational • The Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network has identified almost 100 key
accords on plastics pollution can bring trinational clout to cleaning up the great float- migratory sites from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego. Local governments can support these
ing mats of garbage that affect seabirds and other marine animals. crucial shorebird habitats with zoning and policies to protect them from disturbance
and development.
• Fisheries management with effective monitoring of catch is needed to ensure the
sustainability of fish populations upon which seabirds depend for food. The broader • Mangroves and saltmarshes that support coastal bird species also protect coastal cit-
adoption of best management practices for fisheries, such as the Marine Stewardship ies from flooding and sequester large amounts of carbon. Governments can recognize
Council (MSC) guidelines, can reduce the accidental mortality (bycatch) of seabirds on these important ecosystem services through legislation that prevents further loss of
fishing lines or in nets. coastal ecosystems and encourages their restoration.

Mixed flock of shorebirds by Eduardo Iñigo-Elias The State of North America’s Birds 2016 3
 Building on Success:
Boreal Forest Provincial pledges will protect 80 million hectares
THE VASTNESS OF THE BOREAL forest healthy for wildlife, protect clean water, and
The nursery for billions of migratory birds is a big reason why it is such vital bird hab- sequester carbon. Similar efforts are needed
itat. Ontario and Québec have committed in other jurisdictions. Protected areas should
to protect 50% of their boreal forest from include portions of the southern boreal for-
E ighty percent of the boreal forest is still functionally intact, providing great conser-
vation potential. The boreal forest supports the greatest abundance of birds on the
continent—3 to 5 billion birds in the breeding season. Most boreal birds are migratory and
development to ensure that forests remain est where bird diversity is highest.

travel the length of North America during the nonbreeding season, with many continuing Boreeall fores
Bore
Bor ore
rest
est by
b Phi
P l Zrimse
Zr
Zrimse
ims
mseek
m
Take Action: Support sustainable
to South America. Magnolia War
Warb
rbler
forestry that mimics natural disturbance
Status: Most species faring well In winter, the entire population of Magnolia Warblers BOREAL FORESTS ARE NATURALLY DYNAMIC. Fires
relies on an area of tropical forest only 1/10 the size of

Black-backed Woodpecker by Dick Tipton

MOST BOREAL BIRD SPECIES  are of
low or moderate conservation concern,
indicating this is still a relatively healthy
habitat. Maintaining the abundance of
these species is important for a diverse and
healthy boreal ecosystem.
Among the species that are of conser-
vation concern, most are long-distance mi-
grants that face threats on their nonbreed-
ing habitats. Many are migratory songbirds
that spend their winters in the shrinking
tropical forests of Mexico and farther south.
Other species of concern, such as boreal
and insectt outbreaks create a mosaic of open areas and
regenerating and mature forests that sustain healthy bird
Concern: Low Moderate High its boreal forest breeding range. populationns. Sustainable forestry practices emulate those
natural dissturbances to keep forests healthy.
Long-distance 30%
migrants
• In areas that are slated for management, forestry plan-
Residents ning shhould consider natural patterns and disturbance
regimees when determining where and how to harvest.
Long-distance migrants are facing more
threats than birds that stay in or near the • Timberr certification programs through the Forest Stew-
boreal forest year-round. ardshipp Council, Sustainable Forestry Initiative, and
Canadian Standards Association are recognizing com-
shorebirds and waterfowl, rely on coastal panies that support sustainable forestry. The more that The Black-backed Woodpecker
habitats that are under heavy development is a species that benefits from
companies and consumers choose certified wood prod-
pressure. forest disturbance.
ucts, thhe better off the boreal forest will be.

Buildin
ng on Success: Mexico’s Protected Areas
Tropical Forests THE MEXIICAN GOVERNMENT, the Glob-

Rubén Ortega
al Environm ment Facility, and other partners
have invessted US$174 million to conserve
The continent’s cradle of bird diversity tropical foorests through the Natural Pro-
tected Areas System. More than 300 peo-
ple living near these protected areas have
M exico’s tropical forests extend through Central America and support nearly 500 res-
ident species of birds, as well as more than 120 bird species that migrate from Cann-
ada and the United States. Unfortunately, deforestation and fragmentation have reduceed
joined CONABIO’s Community-Based Bird
Monitoringg Network to assess the benefits
these continentally important habitats to precious small stands. Mexican tropical forestts of protectioon. The volunteer birders provide
have suffered greater than 70% habitat loss since the 1970s. citizen-scieence data that help to assess the
status of m
migratory and resident birds.

Status: Most species at risk of extinction
THE MAJORITY  of resident species in
Mexico’s tropical forests are on the Watch
List due to small and highly threatened
populations. Birds that live in tropical cloud
forests atop mountains are most at risk, with
many resident species such as the Resplen-
dent Quetzal federally listed in Mexico as
endangered. Tropical dry forests are home
to 48 endemic species found nowhere
else. Tropical evergreen forests are import-
ant migratory bird habitat; 20% of boreal
breeding birds spend winters there.
The Gray-throated Chat is endemic to Mexico’s Yucatán
Peniinsula, where it depends on the same tropical forests Take Acction: Improve forests and livelihoods
Concern: Low Moderate High usedd by Magnolia Warblers and other migrants in winter.
CONSERV VING WHAT’S LEFT of Mexico’s tropical forests requires active public involve-
Cloud 95% ment—by bboth international partners and the Mexican people.
• About 20% of remnant tropical forest acreage is protected by parks or reserves. It is
Dry 58%
critically important to continue and expand international collaboration and funding for
habitatt management of these forests.
Pine-Oak 56%
• On privvate and communal lands, tropical forest conservation must support the liveli-
Evergreen 43% hoods of resident families in ways that maintain standing forests. A model example is
the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor program in Mexico, which supports people and
Bird species in all types of tropical forest are forests through sustainable timber harvesting, ecotourism development, and sustain-
at high risk of extinction. able agroforestry with coffee and cacao crops.

4 The State of North America’s Birds 2016 Roberto González

Temperate Forests Grasslands
Diverse forests promote bird diversity Remnant habitat is vitally important for birds

T he temperate forests of North America include the maple forests of New England and
the towering old-growth forests of the Pacific Northwest. In the East, there is more
forest today than there was 100 years ago, yet forest stands lack the divversity of young and
P rairie was once at the heart of our continent. Prior to European settlement, an inland
sea of grass ran unbroken from the prairies of Canada to the high plateau of central
Mexico. Today, large intact grasslands exist in only a few places in North America. Cropland
old trees that makes for prime bird habitat. In the West, fire is a key element influencing East
East
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expansion and residential development threaten both bird habitat and the private ranches
forests and bird habitat from Canada to Mexico. that maintain grasslands for their cattle. Sustainable livestock grazing can keep ranchers
on the land and provide habitat for grassland birds.
The Western Tanager and Wood Thrush
Status: Positive trends with some concerns
connect temperate forests and
OF THE 144 TEMPERATE FOREST
Concern: Low Moderate
oderate High Mexican tropical forests. Status: Birds and habitat are disappearing fast
BIRD SPECIES  in the East and West, 30
are on the Watch List. About half of the ONE-THIRD OF ALL GRASSLAND BIRD
Western 25%
birds that breed in U.S. and Canadian SPECIES  are on the Watch List due to
Other
eastern temperate forests spend their win- steeply declining populations and threats
ters in Mexican tropical evergreen forests. Eastern 19% to habitat. Birds that breed in the Great
Some species, such as Wood Thrush, are in Plains of Canada and the U.S. and winter Chihuahuan
steep decline. Western temperate forestt birds are of higher in Mexico’s Chihuahuan grasslands are ex-
Eighty percent of western temperate conservation concern, due to smaller ranges periencing exceptionally steep declines, a
forest birds spend the winter in western and populations, than eastern forest birds. nearly 70% loss since 1970. Other temper- Populations of Chihuahuan grassland migrants
Mexican forests. These birds, such as West- ate grassland birds have declined by 33% have declined twice as much as other temperate
ern Tanager, live in fire-maintained forests tive peoples. Today it is up to land
and m
manag- in that time. grassland birds.
at both ends of their life cycle. Historically, ers to use fire to keep thhese
se forests
f healthy
fires were set by lightning strikes and na- and resilient to pests annd cli
climate change.
Wood Thrush
Building on Success: Sustainable grazing restores habitat
Building on Success: Sharing best practices trinationally

Chihuahuan Grasslands by Cornell lab of ornithology multimedia

A PILOT SUSTAINABLE GRAZING
PROGRAM on 15 cattle ranches in Chi-
Lomakatsi Restoration Projectt

THE QUERCUS AND AVES PROGRAM huahua, Mexico, is recreating the his-
prioritizes oak woodlands restoration using toric grazing patterns of bison. Through
science-based bird conservation objectives rotational grazing, some ranchers have
along the Pacific Coast of North America. seen their grass cover increase by 80%,
Regional partnerships initiated by Quer- which results in heavier cattle and better
cus and Aves have restored oak woodlands Western Tanager bird habitat. The program currently cov-
habitat on more than 20 sites on public ers 250,000 acres. Expanding this pro-
and private lands in Oregon, Washington, gram would help counter the ongoing
and British Columbia. In Mexico, a regional losses of grasslands in this region.
pine-oak alliance has restored habitat on
more than 1 million hectares in southern The Klamath Siskiyou Oak Network, a Quercus
and Aves program partner, uses prescribed
Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Guerrero, as well as
burning to restore oak woodlands in southern Many grassland species that breed in Take Action: Continue the prairie-pasture legacy
farther south in Guatemala and Honduras. Oregon and northern California. the Great Plains depend upon the GRASSLAND POLICIES IN NORTH AMERICA—which have supported thousands of
Chihuahuan grasslands during winter. ranching families and millions of hectares of important breeding bird habitat—need
Take Action: Forests need quality management support and strengthening.
OUR CONTINENT’S TEMPERATE FORESTS CAN BE MANAGED to achieve conserva- Chestnut-collared Lon • In Canada, many Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration pastures have been trans-
tion objectives while contributing to local economies. Map from Par
Ma a tner
nerss in Fli
Flight,
ght, ferred to provincial management. Efforts are needed to ensure policies and manage-
Saving
Savi ng our
our Share
Shareed Bi rd , 2010
Birds
rds 2010 ment continue to support the conservation value of these pastures.
• The Appalachian Mountains Joint Venture is planning for a mix of forest types from
New York to Alabama. Integrating bird conservation objectives into forest management • In the U.S., private lands biologists work one-on-one with farmers and ranchers to
plans will diversify forest habitats across the eastern U.S. boost sign-ups for Farm Bill conservation incentive programs. Funding more private
lands biologists would increase the conservation effectiveness of the Farm Bill.
• The Partners in Flight business conservation plan for western forest birds is develop-
ing more than a dozen pilot projects in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico that implement • In Mexico, grasslands habitat in central Chihuahua will disappear completely by 2025
science-based forest conservation planning while supporting wood-product markets. at the current rate of development and cropland conversion. New policies and pro-
These projects should become the blueprints for using bird and habitat conservation grams that involve all sectors from government to water management to agriculture
objectives to improve local economies. are needed to prevent the total loss of this critical habitat.

Chihuahuan Grasslands by Tim Galla

lagher The State of North America’s Birds 2016 5
 Wetlands Let’s Make More Success Stories for Birds
Conservation investments are paying off

W etlands are spread across North America and provide key habitat for waterfowll and manny othher bird speciess.
Wetlands also recharge groundwater supplies, conttrol flooding, and provide peoplee with cllean drinking wa-
A model
ode that
t at works
o s
T he North American wetlands and waterfowl conseervation effort capitalized on synergies between continental pol-

ter. Concerted efforts for wetland conservation, and careful management of hunting, have coontribuuted to healthyy duck
populations and show what our countries can accomplish when we work together on bird coonservattion.
Status: Waterfowl and other waterbirds doing well
MOST WETLAND BIRD SPECIES  are
still widespread and common, and are
therefore of relatively low conservation
concern. Waterfowl populations have
grown over the past five decades, helped
by effective investments in wetland conser-
vation. Other waterbirds, such as herons,
terns, and rails, have also benefited from
these efforts. Still, 33 wetland species are
on the Watch List, including species that
Building on Success:
Sharon Helmerich
icy and funding (North American Wetlands Conseervation Act), coordinated science across species’ ranges (North
American Waterfowl Management Plan), and the delivery d of habitat conservation on the ground by local groups
(regional conservation partnerships called Jointt Ventures). Nonprofit conservation groups played a pivotal role
in this model by harnessing the energy of a crowd of enthusiasts, funneling their philanthropy and their con-
stituent voices toward directed policy objeectives, and fueling conservation mechanisms through matching
funds. The success of this habitat consservation model has helped support consistently rising popula-
Concern: Low Moderate High
tions of waterfowl.
Waterfowl 19%
A need for conserv
conservation attention
P
Other wetland
birds 20%
2 0 opulation trends foor shorebirds, seabirds, and many landbirds are going in the op-
posite direction froom waterfowl. Like ducks, other birds have a clear need for com-
80% of wetland birds are of low or moderate
prehensive conservaation efforts. The coordinated science across species’ ranges has Tens of millions of people watch birds in North America. New
conservation concern.
been developed (e.g., the Partners in Flight ‘Saving our Shared Birds’ plan) and approaches are needed to engage the birdwatching public and grow
rely on coasttal habitats in winter, succh as their support for the conservation of all bird species and all habitats.
some fundingg mechanisms (e.g., the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation
eiders and sccoters. Act) are in place. The challenge now is to harness the energy of the tens of
millionss of people who love birds. We can empower them to grow their
contributions and constituent voices for bird conservation.

Planning and funding continental waterfowl recovery Renew our commitment for all birds
THE 1916 MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY end Y -
O n the centennial of the Canada/U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty and the 80th anniversary of the Mexico/U.S. bird treaty, the
Courtesy
Cour

governments and citizens of our three countries must develop a vision for migratory bird conservation in this century.
tesy of Duck

ed market hunting and established inter-

nationally coordinated waterfowl manage- We must commit to expanding the model for effective trinational conservation to benefit all birds. Our success depends
Duckss Unlimi

ment. Hunters are now major supporters of upon generating the resources needed to craft ppolicies based on sound science and to implement
p effective on-the-
Unlimited

waterfowl and wetland conservation. Duck ground conservation actions. The results
r will benefit not only birds, but also the ecosystems upon which other
ted Cana

Stamp funding supports the purchase and wildlife and we ourselves depennd.
Canada

protection of waterfowl habitat. The North

da

American Waterfowl Management Plan

brings together scientists, government
officials, and land managers from Canada,
the U.S., and Mexico to coordinate wetland
conservation efforts. Over the past two
decades, the North American Wetlands
Conservation Act (NAWCA) has provided
US$1.4 billion in grants that acted as a
catalyst for generating US$2.9 billion in More than 1 million duck hunters have donnated
partner funds for projects on 12 million hundreds of millions of dollars toward wateer-r
hectares of habitat in all three countries. fowl and wetland conservation. Migratory waterfowl, such as the
Blue-winged Teal, depend on healthy
Take Action: Stop the loss of wetlands and funding Blue-wingedd Teaal wetland habitats in all three countries. Chestnut-sided Warbler by
Charles M. Francis

DESPITE THESE SUCCESSES, wetlands are being drained for agriculture and deveelop-
ment, polluted by pesticides and invasive species, and lost to climate change.
• According to the USFWS, wetlands loss has accelerated by 140% since 2004. ’No-net--loss’
wetlands policies need to be implemented locally, regionally, and nationally to ennsure
that any loss of wetlands is offset by restoration of wetlands elsewhere.
• Along with wetlands loss, there has been an erosion of government funding for wet-
land conservation. NAWCA is one of the most cost-effective government conservaation
programs. Ensuring appropriate funding levels for NAWCA can secure our investm
ments
in wetlands and waterfowl conservation.

6 The State of North America’s Birds 2016 Prairie

Prai rie pot
p oles
poth o byy USFW
S S Mounta
SFW Mounta
untain-P
unt in-PPrair
rairie
ie
 Everybody wins with bird conservation
Healthy lands and waters provide sustainable resources for birds and people.
Our governments have accomplished a lot for conservation, but they can’t do it alone.
Conservingg our shared birds is everyyone’s respponsibilityy.

Public Policy Private Industry

Strong science guides sound policy Corporations can be sustainability leaders.
with successful outcomes.
C ompanies throughout North America, joined by free trade, also
share responsibility for our continent’s natural resources. Birds
T he Migratory Bird treaties reflect the will of the people—our societ-
ies expect our governments to sustain the abundance and diversity
of birds as part of our shared natural heritage.
are indicators of the health of our resources, and both are threatened by
deforestation, development, pollution, and climate change. When birds
decline, industry is called to action.
Because birds are excellent indicators of environmental health, sci-
Forward-thinking companies are going beyond the minimum re-
ence and data about birds can help shape well-rounded policy for conser-
quirements of regulations because sustainability ensures long-term eco-
vation as well as for agriculture, industry, and human health.
nomic growth. Multinational corporations are revamping supply chains for
The science in this report presents the best available broad-based sci-
sustainably sourced wood products. Seafood companies are adapting fish-
ence on the status of birds and environments across North America. Strong
ing harvests to ensure stable fisheries. Coffee farms are growing beans under
science can be used to create evidence-based land and water policies that
a tropical forest canopy and realizing benefits in pest and disease resistance.
guide responsible use of our continent’s resources. The North American Wa-
These industry leaders are taking the long view in their business plans—not
terfowl Management Plan demonstrates how science and trinational collabo-
for charity, but because sustainability is a solid strategy for future profitability.
ration can result in continental-scale success.
Celebrating birds by Karen Purcell

People
The decisions we make in our everyday lives can make a difference for birds.
“We will work together to develop • As citizens: We can elect representatives • As birders: Birding can be more than a • As consumers: Each grocery trip is an “Our sustainability strategy is helping strengthen
new, science-based standards who recognize that healthy environments hobby. It can be an act that contributes opportunity to support bird habitat in the our communities and
are good for birds, people, and the econ- meaningful data for conservation. We can tropics (bird-friendly coffee), grasslands
for commercial fishing, omy, and who support the foundational make our bird sightings work for science (grass-fed beef), the boreal forest (cer-
protect our planet. …
low-impact shipping, concepts of science-based legislation and by logging lists into citizen-science data- tified sustainable paper products), and The company
sustainable development, conservation. bases such as eBird.org. at sea (certified
( fi d sustainable
bl seafood).
f d) connects long-term
and Arctic biodiversity. “ growth with a need
“We learn everything, for sustainability.”
Canadian Prime
Ca me Mininis
isste
terr Ju
J stin Trudeeauu
afte
aft r bi
te b lateral me m ettinng with
with
wi
because by watching birds we see eveerything.”
Tom Falk, CE
CEO, Kimimberly-Clark
U.S. President Barrac ackk Obam
Obama
Ob Kimberly-Claarkk 201
0 4
Volunteer, Mexico Community-Based Bird Monitooring Network
Sustainabilityy Report
White-eared Hummingbird by Miguel Angel Sicilia

People are the drivers—to convince governments, to influence

private industry, to make change. Find out what you can do. Visit
Sno
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now
noow
wy Ow
Owl by
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Gerrrit
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The State of

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NORTH AMERICA’S BIRDS
2016
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Soaring Solutions. Grounded Science.

Chestnu
Acknowledgments

t-colla
This report was prepared by representatives of the different NABCI partners from Canada, the U.S., and Mexico.
ted Falcon
breas

red
Steering Committee Canada: Charles M. Francis (Chair), Alaine Camfield, Ted Cheskey, Andrew R. Couturier, Adam C. Smith; U.S.: Gus nge- Sierra Madre
Ora Sparr

Lon
ow
Axelson, Greg Butcher, Jerome Ford, Robert P. Ford, Deb Hahn, David Pashley, Kenneth V. Rosenberg, John R. Sauer, Judith Scarl; Mexico:

gsp
us h
Thr

ur
Humberto Berlanga, Eduardo Iñigo-Elias, Vicente Rodriguez. od
Wo
Science Committee Canada: Adam C. Smith (Co-chair), Peter Blancher, Andrew R. Couturier, Jim Devries, Charles M. Francis, Paul A.
Smith, Scott Wilson; U.S.: Kenneth V. Rosenberg (Co-chair), John D. Alexander, Greg Butcher, Robert P. Ford, Peter P. Marra, David W.
Mehlman, David Pashley, Arvind Panjabi, John R. Sauer, Scott Yaich; Mexico: Humberto Berlanga (Co-chair), Eduardo Iñigo-Elias, Vicente
Rodriguez, Victor Vargas, Alfonso Aguirre.
Communications Committee Canada: Ted Cheskey, Eleanor Fast, Charles M. Francis, Patricia Hardie, Elaine Secord; U.S.: Judith Scarl

Reddish Egret
(Chair), Susan Bonfield, Greg Butcher, Miyoko Chu, Matt Cimitile, Aditi Desai, Jennie Duberstein, Deb Hahn, Jennifer Howard, Alicia King, Gr
ay-
t hr
Liza LePage, Rachel Fisk Levin, Nadia Peimbert; Mexico: Humberto Berlanga, Patricia Koleff, Carlos Galindo Leal. Jay oa
Tufted ted
Ch
Editor: Gus Axelson; Designer: Diane L. Tessaglia-Hymes; Illustrator: Misaki Ouchida. at

Additional support from

Cot inga
Red-
cro Lovely
wne
d Pa
rro
t

stateofthebirds.org Pin
k-h
ead
ed W
arbl
er
Suggested Citation: North American Bird Conservation Initiative. 2016. The State of North
America’s Birds 2016. Environment and Climate Change Canada: Ottawa, Ontario. 8 pages.
www.stateofthebirds.org
glea

Cat. No.: CW66-527/2016E ISBN: 978-0-660-05104-8

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